PRAIRIE DOGS IN ARIZONA

Right off the urban trail system of Flagstaff, Ariz., is a thriving colony of prairie dogs that covers over three acres. Following self-guided tours along the city's Foxglenn trail, visitors can see "America's meerkats" frolicking above their burrows. "They spend a lot of time kissing each other," says Dr. Slobodchikoff, who studies the colony. "They're constantly playing with each other and running around." But beware of prairie dog predators! "There are also coyotes and red-tailed hawks that come through," he adds.